Watertown, WI
Population 22,873 · Wisconsin
About Watertown, WI
Watertown is a mid-sized city located in Wisconsin with a population of 22,873 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,333 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Watertown features a median home value of $211,500, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Watertown in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,061, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,360 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (5,357 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (3,605 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Watertown shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Watertown have an average one-way commute time of 23.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.0% of Watertown residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 8.9% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Watertown Ranks in Wisconsin
Cost of Living in Watertown, WI
Compared to national averages, Watertown has a median household income of $68,333 (9% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $211,500, which is 14% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,061 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Watertown's income is 6% below the state average of $72,579, and home values are 3% above the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Watertown, WI?
Watertown offers affordable housing with a median home value of $211,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,061/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,333) that falls below the national average. However, Watertown’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Watertown has a population of 22,873 with a median age of 40.4 years. Compare Watertown with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Watertown
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middleton | 22,235 | $85,526 | $457,400 | Compare |
| Pleasant Prairie | 21,515 | $103,903 | $336,300 | Compare |
| Germantown | 20,940 | $104,337 | $356,700 | Compare |
| Muskego | 25,156 | $116,361 | $390,900 | Compare |
| South Milwaukee | 20,547 | $70,146 | $216,400 | Compare |
| Mequon | 25,259 | $147,391 | $485,300 | Compare |
| Caledonia | 25,292 | $91,053 | $279,400 | Compare |
| De Pere | 25,368 | $80,550 | $253,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Watertown With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Watertown
What is the population of Watertown, WI?
The population of Watertown, WI is 22,873 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Watertown?
The median household income in Watertown, WI is $68,333 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Watertown?
The median home value in Watertown, WI is $211,500, which is 14% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Watertown?
The median monthly rent in Watertown, WI is $1,061, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Watertown?
The unemployment rate in Watertown, WI is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Watertown, WI a good place to live?
Watertown offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 22,873 and a median age of 40.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Watertown, WI?
19.0% of residents in Watertown aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Watertown?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Watertown, WI: median home value is $211,500 (14% below national), median rent is $1,061/month, and median household income is $68,333. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Watertown?
The poverty rate in Watertown, WI is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Watertown, WI?
Watertown's population is 8.9% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.